Full Breakdown
Michigan State Spartans Secure Victory Over San Jose State
11/14/2025, 1:23:52 PM
Game Overview: Michigan State vs. San Jose State
On November 13, 2025, the No. 17 Michigan State Spartans defeated the San Jose State Spartans 79-60 at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan. This victory improved Michigan State's record to 3-0 for the season, while San Jose State fell to 0-3. The game showcased a stark contrast between the two halves, with Michigan State dominating the first half and San Jose State showing resilience in the second.
First Half Dominance
Michigan State started strong, racing to a 16-2 lead within the first five minutes. The Spartans maintained their momentum, leading 46-23 at halftime. Key performances came from senior forward Jaxon Kohler, who recorded 17 points and 18 rebounds, and senior center Carson Cooper, who also scored 17 points and added seven rebounds. The Spartans excelled in rebounding, outpacing San Jose State 45-26 overall and 13-7 on the offensive glass.
Second Half Struggles
The second half saw a shift in momentum as San Jose State opened with an 8-0 run, prompting Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo to call an early timeout. Despite Michigan State's attempts to regain control, San Jose State narrowed the gap to as little as 10 points late in the game. Colby Garland led San Jose State with 22 points, while Yaphet Moundi contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds. The visiting Spartans outscored Michigan State 37-33 in the second half, highlighting defensive lapses from the home team.
Official Statements & Responses
Tom Izzo expressed dissatisfaction with his team's performance, particularly in the second half. He stated, “I did a poor job of getting my team ready to play the second half,” emphasizing the need for consistent effort throughout the game. Kohler echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of maintaining focus and energy as team captains.
Key Performances
- Jaxon Kohler: 17 points, 18 rebounds
- Carson Cooper: 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals
- Jeremy Fears Jr.: 15 points, 9 assists
- Kur Teng: 10 points
San Jose State's Garland and Moundi were notable for their scoring, but the team struggled overall, shooting just 35.7% from the field.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, analysts pointed out Michigan State's ongoing issues with three-point shooting and defensive consistency. The Spartans finished the game shooting only 24% from beyond the arc, raising concerns ahead of their upcoming matchup against No. 9 Kentucky in the Champions Classic.
What's Next
Michigan State will face Kentucky on November 18, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, a highly anticipated matchup that will test the Spartans' ability to maintain focus and improve their performance. Meanwhile, San Jose State will look to regroup as they prepare for their home opener against Bethesda on November 17, 2025.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Oh man, if we play like this, we're gonna get killed.” — Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State
- “For us as captains, we need to make sure we enforce all our players to be consistent the entire game,” — Jaxon Kohler, Senior Forward
This game served as a critical moment for Michigan State as they aim to refine their game before facing tougher competition in the coming weeks.
